Hypertension Overview

Hypertension Video

HOST ON CAMERA:
Hello and welcome to the Answered Patient. I’m Jane Hanson. On this episode, you’ll learn about hypertension – the risks associated with the disease…who is most likely to develop it…and the tests used by medical professionals to diagnose it.

HOST NARRATION:
We’ll also give you strategies you can use to get –and keep—your blood pressure under control.  

Shawn Schuerman Interview:  Regular continual exercise is the key to keeping the high blood pressure in check.

Anna Volgman Interview:  The salt in our food in America is everywhere.

HOST ON CAMERA:
Regardless of race, age, or gender, anyone, at any time, can develop high blood pressure—known clinically as hypertension.

HOST NARRATION:
A common misconception of hypertension is that it’s caused strictly by stress or tension.  And while it is true that stress can contribute to high blood pressure, it’s certainly not the only cause, as we’ll explain.

Dr. Crawford Interview:  You’re 4 times more likely to develop hypertension at a young age if you have a parent or grandparent that had hypertension.

HOST ON CAM: Because there are often few symptoms, experts call hypertension a ‘silent killer.’

HOST NARRATION:
In the US, only two out of three people with high blood pressure are even aware  they have it. But if you have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, you’re not alone:  it’s a disease that affects over 50 million Americans —and experts say that number is on the rise.

HOST ON CAMERA:
What do we mean when we say ‘high blood pressure?’ Normal blood pressure   is typically a reading of 120 over 80. The top number is called ‘systolic,’ because it’s measured when the heart contracts, during systole. That’s when pressure in the arteries is at its highest, as blood is first pushed from the heart. The bottom number is known as “diastolic,” and refers to the pressure in the arteries when it is at its lowest.  It’s called diastolic because it’s measured when the heart rests between beats, during diastole. 

HOST NARRATION:
A reading of more than 120 to 139 over 80 to 89 is considered ‘pre-hypertension.’ 140 to 160 over 90 to 99 is considered Stage 1 Hypertension.  Stage 2 Hypertension is described as 160 or greater   over 100 or greater. So, what causes hypertension?  That depends on the type of hypertension.  In the case of primary, or essential hypertension, there is no known cause.  What we do know is heredity, and lifestyle factors like diet and exercise have an impact. 85 to 90% of those suffering from high blood pressure have primary hypertension. 

Dr. BUFALINO INTERVIEW: 
Many people have what we call essential hypertension which is the genetic form of high blood pressure that gets passed down in families, or just develops

HOST ON CAMERA: In some cases, hypertension is caused by another condition.  This is called secondary hypertension.

HOST NARRATION: Kidney disease and hormonal disorders  are both common secondary causes. With kidney disease, the risk runs both ways.

DR. SMART INTERVIEW:  Not only can hypertension be caused by kidney disease but hypertension results in kidney disease.  So one of the main reasons that people end up on dialysis in the United States is uncontrolled hypertension.

HOST ON CAMERA: It’s also true that hypertension often has few symptoms —that’s why you should have your blood pressure tested regularly by a doctor.

HOST NARRATION: Over time, untreated hypertension can damage the heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes. If left uncontrolled, hypertension raises your risk of stroke, heart attack, aneurysm, and kidney disease.

DR.  CRAWFORD: If you wait for the symptoms you’ve waited much too long and sometimes too late to do any reversing of the damage that’s already done.

HOST ON CAMERA:
But there is hope.  And it’s important to know:  hypertension is not a death sentence.  The test to determine whether you have hypertension is easy and painless. For many, hypertension can be controlled through proper diet and exercise. For others, there are a number of proven drugs on the market that can help. 

HOST NARRATION:
In the other chapters of this episode, you can learn more about how hypertension is diagnosed…get some science on what it does to your body…and we’ll provide you with useful tips on how you can control your blood pressure.

HOST ON CAMERA: In our “Personal Stories” chapter, you’ll meet real doctors and patients who deal with this common disease everyday.